Capitol Lens: Women’s Trailblazer

In honor of Women’s History Month, it’s worth recognizing Rebecca Latimer Felton of Georgia, the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. She took the oath of office on Nov. 21, 1922. Having been appointed to fill a vacancy Oct. 3, Felton’s official service began on that date, but she served only 24 hours after taking the oath of office. Her short Senate service topped off a long career in Georgia politics and journalism. In her only Senate speech, Felton concluded with words that resonate: “When the women of the country come in and sit with you, ... you will get ability, you will get integrity of purpose, you will get exalted patriotism, and you will get unstinted usefulness.”